How much does shrub and bush trimming cost?
Columbus, OH

How much does shrub and bush trimming cost?

Columbus, OH

How much does shrub and bush trimming cost?

$5 – $20cost per bush (2’ – 6’ tall)
$10 – $35cost per bush (taller than 6')
$40 – $75average cost per hour

Get free estimates for your project or view our cost guide below:

$5 – $20 cost per bush (2’ – 6’ tall)

$10 – $35 cost per bush (taller than 6')

$40 – $75 average cost per hour


Get free estimates for your project or view our cost guide below:
Are you a pro? Get new customers
S
Written by
Sarah Noel
Edited by
Kristen Cramer
Fact-checked by
Tom Grupa

Shrub and bush trimming cost

Shrub and bush trimming costs $5 to $20 per bush on average or $40 to $75 per hour. Shrub trimming service costs $10 to $35 per bush for plants taller than 6’. Minimum service fees are $50 to $200. Total costs depend on the plant type, size, and job complexity.

Shrub and bush trimming cost
Trimming charges Average cost
Per hour $40 – $75
Per bush or shrub (2’ to 6’ tall) $5 – $20
Per bush or shrub (taller than 6’) $10 – $35
Per 10’ hedge length $25 – $60

Get free estimates from shrub trimming services near you.

Average cost to trim bushes

The following table shows the average cost to trim residential bushes:

Average cost to trim bushes
National average cost $200
Minimum cost $60
Maximum cost $700
Average range $100 to $400

*Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.

Bush trimming cost by size

Bush trimming costs $5 to $20 per bush on average or $10 to $35 each for bushes more than 6’ tall. Most companies give an estimate after an on-site assessment of the job difficulty.

Bush trimming cost by size
Bush size Cost to trim per bush
Shorter than 2’ $3 – $5
2’ – 4’ $5 – $12
4’ – 6’ $8 – $20
Taller than 6’ $10 – $35

*Minimum service fees are $50 to $200.

Shrub trimming cost by amount

Shrub trimming costs $50 to $200 per 10 shrubs. Some companies offer quotes based on the number of shrubs.

Shrub trimming cost by number of shrubs
Number of shrubs Total cost to trim
1 $5 – $20
2 $10 – $40
3 $15 – $60
4 $20 – $80
5 $25 – $100
10 $50 – $200
15 $75 – $300
20 $100 – $400
25 $125 – $500

*Based on 2’ to 6’ tall shrubs.

Get free estimates from shrub trimming services near you.
Neatly trimmed shrubs and bushes in a residential front yard.
Neatly trimmed shrubs and bushes in a residential front yard.

Cost factors for trimming bushes and shrubs

Cost factors for trimming bushes and shrubs include:

  • Size – Prices increase for greater heights and quantities of shrubs.

  • Shrub type – Thicker branches of some species require more powerful tools and more time to trim, especially when overgrown.

  • Season – Colder climates have lower trimming rates during winter or early spring when landscaping companies have less business.

  • Location – Bushes on slopes, near structures, or next to other obstacles are difficult to access for trimming.

  • Debris hauling – Dumping debris costs $35 to $100 extra on average depending on landfill charges and the load size.

  • Mulching – Lawn care companies might mulch clippings with a mower to reduce disposal fees.

  • Shaping – Trimming shrubs into complex geometric shapes is labor-intensive.

  • Geographic location – Southern states with longer growing seasons need more frequent shrub maintenance.

  • Extra services – Landscapers can also do mowing or tree trimming along with bush trimming in the same service visit for cheaper total lawn care.

  • Lawn care contracts – Discount pricing is available for annual or multi-year contracts.

Pruning cost per hour

Pruning costs $65 to $150 per hour on average. Some companies include pruning in their trimming rates. Pruning involves much more cutting than trimming, and it requires more skilled workers. Larger equipment is often necessary for pruning, but not always for trimming.

Tree trimming

Tree trimming costs $200 to $900 per tree on average or up to $1,800 for extra-large trees. Some companies charge $50 to $125 per hour instead of using flat rates. Total costs depend on the tree size, type, and accessibility.

Hedge trimming

Hedge trimming costs $25 to $60 per 10’ length of hedges, or $40 to $100 per hour. Prices vary depending on the plant type, height, and site conditions. Hedges cost more to trim than most bushes and shrubs because hedges are taller and thicker for privacy.

Extra landscaping services

Extra services include:

Cost of DIY bush trimming

Get free estimates from shrub trimming services near you.

DIY bush trimming costs $30 to $350 for tools and safety equipment, depending on the bush type and size. Check trimming guidelines by plant type to avoid injuring the bush.

DIY bush trimming cost
Tools Price
Safety glasses $5 – $20
Work gloves $5 – $25
Bypass pruner $10 – $40
Tarp $10 – $50
Garden shears $20 – $50
Hedge trimmer $50 – $250

Bush & shrub trimming FAQs

When to trim bushes and shrubs

You can trim most bushes and shrubs throughout the growing season. Trim or prune flowering plants immediately after they blossom. Prune non-flowering bushes in late winter or early spring. Ask a local nursery worker or horticulturist for the best time to trim your shrub.

Can you kill a bush by trimming it?

Trimming can kill a bush if you remove more than one-quarter to one-third of the plant, which makes it susceptible to insects and disease. Trimming a small amount of foliage is typically safe during the entire growing season.

What’s the difference between trimming and pruning?

The differences between trimming and pruning are:

  • Trimming is cutting branch tips to shape overgrown shrubs and improve their appearance. Trimming tools include electric trimmers, hand clippers, and snips.

  • Pruning is removing diseased, dead, or overgrown branches to improve shrub health. Pruning requires loppers and saws for thicker cuts.

Getting quotes from bush and shrub trimming services

Before hiring a bush and shrub trimming service near you, be sure to:

  • Get detailed estimates from 3 or more companies.

  • Remember that low prices often signal low-quality work.

  • Only hire a company with a business license, insurance, and surety bonds.

  • Read online customer reviews from Google and HomeGuide.

  • Request references.

  • Ask for certified arborists or those with landscaping or horticultural training.

  • Choose a company with at least 5 years of experience.

  • Don’t pay for services until they are complete.

Questions to ask

  • Do you charge by the hour or by the bush?

  • Can I get discounts with an annual contract or other lawn services?

  • How long will this job take?

  • Should I do anything to prep my bushes for trimming?

  • Will you tarp under the shrub to protect my other plants?

  • Does cleanup and disposal cost extra?

  • Is trimming more expensive if you use a ladder?

  • What cutting tools do you use to trim bushes?

  • Do you trim by hand?

  • Will there be more than one worker?

  • What is the experience level of the work crew?

  • Is there a cost difference for hedge trimming?

  • How often will my bushes need trimming?

  • Will you disinfect your equipment to avoid spreading diseases between plants?

  • Do you offer a labor guarantee if my shrub gets sick or dies after trimming?